Onteora school district hires new superintendent

Thursday

BOICEVILLE – A New Jersey educator is taking the superintendent job in the Onteora school district.

Bruce Watson will assume the post Aug. 22, taking over from interim superintendent Victoria McLaren, who has filled in since former superintendent Phyllis McGill left the district last June.

Watson comes from Fair Lawn Schools in Bergen County, N.J., where he has been superintendent for the past 15 years, according to a press release from Onteora. Fair Lawn has 5,000 students and nine schools. Onteora has 1,327 students this year and five buildings.

School board President Bobbi Schnell announced the appointment after the board unanimously approved the appointment at its meeting Tuesday. The three-year contract calls for a salary of $180,000.

“Mr. Watson’s experience as a superintendent in a high-performing district, his leadership qualities, his skill in community building, and his vision impressed the Board as well as the various team members who visited the Fair Lawn School District,” Schnell said. “We are pleased to welcome him to the Onteora Central School District family.”

One of Watson’s stated goals is building trusting professional relationships with all stakeholders.

“The schools I have been associated with have been dedicated to strong instructional leadership, a climate of high expectations, positive home and school relations, having a clear and focused mission, and providing a safe and orde­­rly environment,” he continued. “I believe this characterizes a culture in the schools where both students and staff can be at their best.”

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.